Beds for everyone sleeping rough as snow triggers severe weather protocol

Organisations across Birmingham have come together to offer beds and support to people sleeping rough, after the city's Severe Weather Emergency Protocol was activated because of snow and freezing temperatures.

The protocol was switched on on 5 January and will stay in place until the weather improves.

How the protocol works

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, known as SWEP, is activated in Birmingham when the Met Office has a yellow weather warning in place, or when the "real feel" temperature is zero degrees or below. It is run by Trident Reach on behalf of Birmingham City Council.

While it is active, a bed is available to anyone who wants one, and agencies across the city offer rough sleepers a free hot drink, a meal or a hot shower.

How to help

Members of the public who see someone sleeping rough are being asked to report it through StreetLink, the national service that connects people sleeping rough with local support. Each referral is passed to a Rough Sleeper Outreach Team, who will go out to find the person and offer them shelter.

"As the weather turns colder, it's really important people know that no one needs to sleep rough in Birmingham this winter. There is a safe bed available for anyone who wants one," said Councillor Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness.

She said support for people sleeping rough is in place all year round, and is stepped up further when temperatures drop below freezing.

"You may still see people sleeping rough during cold spells, and if you do, please let us know through StreetLink so our outreach teams can check in with them and offer help," she said. She added that the council would keep working with charities, faith groups and partners, and prioritise securing funding, so that everyone sleeping on the streets is "treated with dignity, care and compassion".

Outreach teams on the streets

Nigel Wilson, Chief Executive of Trident Group, said the organisation was proud of its long-term partnership with the council.

"During these difficult weather conditions our outreach teams are working directly within the community to find safe, warm places to stay, for those that need it most," he said.

People can be reluctant to accept help for many reasons, which is why outreach workers return to the same people repeatedly during cold spells. A report through StreetLink, even about someone who has been seen before, helps the teams know where to look.

Staying safe in the cold

Very cold weather can be dangerous for anyone, particularly older people and those with health conditions. If you see someone sleeping rough who appears to be unwell or in danger, call 999 rather than making a StreetLink report.